Fostering Animals

Hope Marie’s Fund (HMF) is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization, started by Dr. Baker in 2011. The original intent was to start a fund to help owners with paying for medical care for their pets, but it now has become a dedicated rescue.

If you are interested in becoming a HMF foster, please read the FAQ to the right under the “Fostering FAQ” then complete the online foster interest form.

HMF New Foster Packet (PDF)

Thank you for your interest in becoming a foster parent for Hope Marie’s Fund (HMF)! Because we do not have a shelter, we rely on a network of foster homes to house adoptable dogs and cats, while they await permanent homes. Foster homes are a crucial part of HMF’s ability to rescue an animal and make a difference. Here are some FAQ’s regarding HMF’s foster care program. Specific questions may be directed toward the email addresses listed under our Contact web page. Our voice mail is answered several times a day by one of our volunteers. You may also e-mail HMF.

Foster parents are responsible for the care of the foster animal, including providing quality food, shelter, grooming, and attention. Foster parents are expected to bring the animal to the monthly adoption events. Foster parents are also responsible for transporting their foster animal to vet, if needed. Foster parents are responsible for complying with all state and local laws regarding the keeping and care of the companion animal. Foster parents are required to sign a contract detailing responsibility and limiting HMF’s liability, while the animal is under their care.

Veterinary services for foster animals are covered by HMF, at HMF’s vet of choice. HMF will make available various resources to increase the pet’s chances of adoption. HMF representatives are available to assist the foster home in dealing with issues related to the foster care of the animal. HMF is responsible for facilitating all adoptions.

The answer varies widely. Puppies and smaller dogs often are adopted within a few weeks; kittens and adult dogs can take anywhere from two weeks to several months. Adult cats may take several months to adopt. Some pets are adopted within a week, while others can take 6 months, a year, or, rarely, even longer.

Foster parents may request a certain type of pet, such as a dog, cat, puppy, kitten. If a specific size, gender, or trait (such as good with children) is required, the foster parent should notify HMF.

An occasional missed month is to be expected. The adoption event allow the public to meet the pets, and increase the opportunities for adoption. Foster parents are requested to contact HMF as early as possible if the animal will not be at the scheduled monthly adoption event.

It is very easy to fall in love with a companion animal who relies on you for all of his/her care. While HMF doesn’t like to lose a foster home, we are happy to see a pet find a loving, permanent home. Foster parents must complete the official adoption process, including payment of the full adoption fee, and completion of all adoption paperwork.

Any potential adopters should contact HMF if they are interested in adopting an animal. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES IS A FOSTER PARENT TO GIVE ANYONE POSSESSION OF THEIR FOSTER ANIMAL! HMF requires a home visit and completion of adoption paperwork, including the fee and contract, before turning an animal over to the adopter. Only approved facilitators of HMF are authorized to approve or deny an adoption.

HMF may ask a foster parent to meet with them to take an animal to a potential adoptive home. Foster parents do not attend these home visits.

HMF takes measures to ensure that its animals receive veterinary exams and appropriate vaccinations before entering foster care. Sometimes follow-up care, such as another round of shots or worming (for puppies or kittens), neutering, etc. is necessary. Foster parents are responsible for transporting their foster animal to HMF’s vet. An effort is made to accommodate the foster parent’s schedule. Animals are normally dropped off in the morning and picked up in the evening. If a foster parent takes their animal to a different vet, or does not notify HMF in advance of a vet visit, the foster parent is responsible for any expense related to the visit or any treatment performed. The foster parent is responsible for any medical expense necessary resulting from improper care or negligence while under the care of the foster home.

Foster parents must arrange for the safe care of their foster animal if they must travel while the pet is in their care. Occasionally, kennel space is available at HMF’s vet, or at kennels which HMF can recommend. If space is not available, the foster parent must make his/her own arrangements. ALL boarding is at the expense of the foster parent.

Becoming a foster parent is a big responsibility, and you will likely not get the perfect pet. Many of the animals that HMF rescues have been strays, or haven’t received a proper amount of training and good treatment. Even the most well-behaved animal can undergo stress adjusting to new people and a new environment. The animal may exhibit this stress through inappropriate behavior. In many cases, a little TLC goes a long way. However, many behavioral problems to require some effort. HMF representatives are available to discuss ways to handle your foster pet and refer you to a trainer, who we work with.

HMF makes an effort to place animals who are likely to get along with a particular foster parent’s pets. Proper introductions are crucial. It is also possible in some homes to manage a foster pet despite an animal-aggressive resident pet. Please contact HMF for advice.

HMF cannot be held liable for any damage caused by your foster pet. The foster parent is responsible for providing a safe environment for his/her foster animal. Crate-training is recommended for dogs. Crates may be borrowed from HMF if available, but must be returned in the event that fostering is discontinued.

Fostering an animal is a large commitment. HMF asks that foster parents make every effort possible to provide a caring, stable environment for the animal in their care. Transfers from place to place can stress the animal and utilize HMF’s limited resources. However, sometimes situations occur which necessitate the surrender of the foster animal. If this happens, the foster parent MUST return the animal to HMF. Advance notice is requested, when possible, to allow HMF to find an alternative foster home.